The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-04-17
WANTS HIS FATHERS ESTATE.
A Supposed Suicide Appears After
Thirteen Years.
Hom the Neto York Times

From the NetO York Times,
HUNTINGDON, PA, April IA case in
volving an intricate legal problem and all
the features Of a weird romance was brought
to the attention Of the court here to-day
In 1872 old Jacob Stanley, n man of eccen-
trio habits, died in Shaver's Greek, leaving
an estate worth $50, 0O0 After protracted
adjustment Of the estate this amount was
reduced to about S&5, 600, and over this sum
a long and stubborn legal controversy was
waged. Stanley left widow and a SON.
The widow had been his fifth wife, and the
son was supposed to be the child of his sec
ond wife, though he was legitimatized by an
act of the assembly. His name was also
Jacob. In early life he left home, and in
1860 married After living with his wife
fourteen years he mysteriously disappeared,
since which time no trace of him could be
obtained until few days ago, when he vol
UNFAIRLY put himself in communication with
NJ. S. Leytle, formerly his attorney to this
city.
In 1868 Stanley and his wife went to Re-
becca, Neb, where he was appointed post
master, but some irregularities occurring
with the mails resulted in his being sent to
the House of Correction at Detroit, Mich
He was extravaganza and improvident, and
it was no doubt his fathers knowledge of
these qualities that induced him to make his
will as he did. During their absence in the
West the will was made 1t was executed
in December, 1870, and two years later the
testator died. 1t provided that the real es-
tate should be rented and the rents paid an
nually to his son Jacob, and that at the
latter's death the property should go to his
heirs. 1t also provided that the executor
might sell the real estate at his discretion,
and that all the moneys at the death of his
son Jacob should be equally divided among
his heirs.
In 1872 Stanley and his wife returned
from the West and settled in this city He
had left numerous creditors in this State,
and as his fathers will did not provide that
this annuity should not be liable for his
debts his creditors obtained Judgment
against him and attached the money held
by the executor, so that he never received
any of it. Being childless, Stanley deter
mined upon obtaining an heir by adoption,
and selected boy years old named George
Lightner, son of poor man in Stone Valley
Stanley continued to reside with his family
until Feb 13, 1874, when he suddenly disap-
peared, leaving behind a note for his wife in
which he stated that he had concluded to
drown himself, and that his body would be
found in the Juniata river. His coat, hat,
and other articles of clothing were found at
the spot designated, and although diligent
search was made no tidings of him were
ever obtained. After waiting seven years
and learning nothing Of him Mrs. Stanley
took out letters of administration on his es-
tate, and distribution of the estate of old
Jacob Stanley was made equally between
her and the adopted son. Soon afterward
she remarked and went to the extreme
West, where she is still living. The adopted
son, VINO is now in his fifteenth year, resides
with his natural parents in this county. He
has expended a considerable portion Of his
share of the estate on his education.
The strange sequel of this singular story
remains to be told In January last Stab
ley, whom every one believed to be dead,
wrote to his attorney here under the assumed
name Of w. w, Williams. He was then
living i'll Boston, but now resides in North
Dighton, Mass. He made inquiries after the
Stanley family, and particularly about the
estate Of his father His attorney at once
recognized the handwriting, and during the
correspondence that followed Stanley threw
off his digsuise and acknowledged his iden-
tity He has never been away from MasSa-
chusetts he says, since his sudden disap-
pearance from here thirteen years ago. In
his letters he expressed repentance for his
cratic course, but says that under his as
! sumel name he has lived an exemplary life,
and has acquired good reputation. He
now desires that his fathers estate, divided
between bis wife, who has since remarked,
and their adopted son, be recovered for him
self, and the this end his attorney to-day be
gan TO initial step III the prosecution before
JUDGE Furst Whether the estate can be
recovered is question over which there IS
much difference Of opinion here, inaslnuch
as the court thirteen years ago acccpte !
the slppositon of his death by reason of his
protracted absence and his expressed deter
nination TO commit suicide.